Technically, are now responsible for negotiating and paying their own agents’ fees. Sellers negotiate a fee with their listing agent.
If a seller refuses to pay, the buyer must pay their agent directly at closing. This is added to their "cash-to-close" alongside the down payment.
Through negotiation, a seller might agree to pay a portion of the fee, leaving the buyer to cover the rest. Key Takeaways for 2026
How are the NAR's new real estate rules affecting buyers and sellers?
Many sellers continue to offer to cover the buyer’s agent fee to keep their home competitive. They simply cannot advertise this offer on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) anymore.
While the buyer is now responsible for their agent's fee, the money often still comes from the transaction itself. Here are the three most common ways this is handled:
negotiate a fee with their buyer’s agent and sign a mandatory written agreement before even touring a home. Who Actually Cuts the Check?
Whether you’re buying or selling, the question of "who pays the realtor" has shifted significantly due to recent industry changes. As of , the old rules no longer apply. The Direct Answer